27 Feb Why is Essex great for start-ups?
Essex is a thriving county in the southeast of England, and its bustling economy has provided fertile ground for a number of successful start-ups.
Starting a business usually requires a large amount of money. This means that unless you’ve won the Irish lottery, you will need to get a loan.
So, in this article, we will talk about two successful Essex start-ups to inspire new entrepreneurs. Then, we’ll go through the top three reasons that make Essex great for start-ups.
2 successful start-ups in Essex for inspiration
Here are two examples of successful Essex start-ups
Babbico
Babbico, previously known as Babychum, is an online marketplace similar to Etsy or eBay. The difference is that it is a place specially for parents and their children. In April 2020, Laura McBride, from Loughton, and Laura Boswell, from Billericay, founded the business. Due to the closing of Mothercare’s physical stores, the pair set out to fill the gap in the market for baby products. Products sold included personalised baby gifts, furniture, and confectionery, as well as gifts for parents. They placed great emphasis on helping small businesses to sell on their marketplace. There are no listing fees and only a flat rate commission. In addition, Babbico doesn’t charge for social media marketing compared to other marketplaces.
The brand is only one year old and has already begun supplying Harrods department store. Babbico’s photography style is modern, minimalistic, and crisp. This has led to a growing audience on visual social media channels like Instagram.
The Garrison Tavern
The Garrison Tavern is based on The Peaky Blinders’ bar. The Garrison, which Sam Gaitens and his brother own, was opened in 2020. It is located in Chelmsford’s 400-year-old Saracens Head Hotel. Sam recognized a need for nostalgia-inspired hospitality in the area, and he used the historic atmosphere to create the new location. The Peaky Blinders’ basis is the USP of the bar. It has been featured throughout the tavern with artwork from the show and a 1920s theme. The staff wears themed uniforms to spice things up.
The Garrison’s success made people talk about it even more, which resulted in word-of-mouth promotion and attention from the media. The theme decor also makes it a great photo opportunity that can be shared on social media.
Why is Essex great for start-ups?
Near London, but cheaper
Essex is part of the commuter belt, which has excellent transport links to the capital. Train journeys take between 30-40 minutes and, if traffic is not a problem, it can take up to an hour. You can drive from Chelmsford, England, to London in less than an hour.
This is a great option for workers who want a slower pace of life and less expensive housing.
Being close to the financial and business centres of the world is a huge advantage for traders. Furthermore, London is the largest tech hub outside of Silicon Valley, and it makes it easier for tech start-ups to access London.
Additionally, the properties are larger and more varied, which appeals to the increasing number of workers who choose to work remotely and improve their quality of life.
Despite the rising cost of living, Essex is a comfortable place to live. The cost per person in Essex is 30% less than in London.
A vision for future economic growth
Essex County Council has a vision for future economic growth. It announced The Renewal Fund (ERF) in April 2022. This fund will invest PS100m in growth and regeneration projects over the next twenty years.
This initiative aims to foster the growth of the sectors of construction, clean manufacturing, engineering, Digitech, and life sciences.
Essex is a place where entrepreneurs are encouraged to invest because of its commitment to “levelling up” the local economy, developing growth areas, and attracting talent.
Skilled young workforce
Essex is home to a large number of young families and professionals, which makes it an economically vibrant county. This is great news for retail-based and service-based start-ups.
The University of Essex is one of the best 30 universities in the nation. It produces bright, young minds who are eager to start their careers. This makes it a great choice for any start-up looking to hire interns or junior employees.
Takeaway
Overall, has a diverse economy, with a range of sectors including technology, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. This means that there are opportunities for start-ups in a variety of industries. Furthermore, it offers a supportive and affordable environment for start-ups, with excellent access to resources and networks that can help them succeed.
